IBM and Scripps Research Institute to Collaborate on Pandemic Research

IBM and Scripps Research Institute to Collaborate on Pandemic Research

IBM and The Scripps Research Institute today announced a collaborative initiative to conduct advanced research on pandemic viruses leveraging the industry-leading talent and technology from both organizations. The Check-mate Initiative will capitalize on Scripps Research’s world class research in the areas of biochemical modeling and drug discovery and IBM’s expertise in computational biology bio-patterning and supercomputing. The joint research team will exploit the use of IBM’s Blue Gene supercomputer, the world’s fastest supercomputer technology, and have access to Scripps Research’s new state-of-the-art biomedical research facility, Scripps Florida, in Palm Beach County.

“This is a very exciting and timely collaboration between two of the finest institutions in our state,” said Governor Jeb Bush. “It is exactly the type of advanced research and talent we want to attract to the State of Florida.” “The U.S. Government and the international community have realized the magnitude and potential severity of pandemics,” said Dr. Richard A. Lerner, M.D., Scripps Research president. “This will be an enormous arena for advanced research. Having the opportunity to work with IBM’s talent and technology makes possible the concept of modeling and simulating a virus with the ultimate goal of containment.”

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